Eye Photography Patents (Class 396/18)
  • Patent number: 11921277
    Abstract: An image acquisition device includes: a stage on which a sample is placed; a drive unit; a first irradiation optical system; a second irradiation optical system; a beam splitter; a pupil dividing element; a first imaging lens; a first imaging element; an analysis unit; a control unit; a second imaging lens; and a second imaging element, a first irradiation light irradiation range captured by the first irradiation optical system includes a second imaging region captured by the second imaging element, the second imaging region is located behind a first imaging region in a scanning direction, and the control unit controls a focus position of an objective lens based on focus information before capturing the second imaging region by the second imaging element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventor: Satoshi Takimoto
  • Patent number: 11826105
    Abstract: Introduced here are retinal cameras having optical stops whose size can be adjusted to enable self-alignment by naturally guiding an eye toward a specified location. Generally, a retinal camera will constrict the bounds of an optical stop until the optical stop is aligned with the eye. In some embodiments, the optical stop is mechanically resized as a subject shifts their eye. In some embodiments, the optical stop is digitally created using a pixelated liquid crystal display (LCD) layer having multiple pixels that are individually controllably. In some embodiments, multiple non-pixelated LCD layers are connected to one another to form a variable transmission stack. In such embodiments, the size of the optical stop can be varied by changing which LCD layer(s) are active at a given point in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Eliezer Glik, Honglei Wu
  • Patent number: 11813024
    Abstract: System and Method pertaining to the modification and integration of an existing consumer digital camera, for example, with an optical imaging module to enable point and shoot fundus photography of the eye. The auto-focus macro capability of existing consumer cameras is adapted to photograph the retina over an extended diopter range, eliminating the need for manual diopter focus adjustment. The thru-the-lens (TTL) auto-exposure flash capability of existing consumer cameras is adapted to photograph the retina with automatic flash exposure eliminating the need for manual flash adjustment. The consumer camera imaging sensor and flash are modified to allow the camera sensor to perform both non-mydriatic focusing of the retina using infrared illumination and standard color flash photography of the retina without the need for additional imaging sensors or mechanical filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Yates, Kenneth Tran
  • Patent number: 11113552
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments related to iris authentication technology for electronic devices. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a camera, a display, and a processor configured to display a first image on the display when a distance between the electronic device and an object included in an image captured by the camera is a first distance and to display a second image associated with the first image on the display when the distance between the electronic device and the object included in the image captured by the camera is a second distance different from the first distance. Other various embodiments are also available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Tae Ha
  • Patent number: 10523668
    Abstract: An authentication method and system with an enhanced security based on eye recognition includes registering eye information extracted from an input image through a pre-registration process; receiving an eye recognition request; verifying whether a web login request associated with login information that is mapped to the eye information is present in response to receiving an eye recognition request; and performing an eye recognition in response to the web login request associated with the login information being verified to be present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: NHN PAYCO Corporation
    Inventors: Sunggon Hong, Dongheon Yu
  • Patent number: 10163009
    Abstract: An iris recognition apparatus is provided. The iris recognition apparatus includes a first photographer configured to photograph an iris in a visible ray wavelength range, a second photographer configured to photograph in an infrared ray wavelength range, a determiner configured to determine whether the iris photographed by the first photographer satisfies a predetermined condition, and a controller configured to, in response to the photographed iris satisfying the predetermined condition, control the second photographer to photograph the iris, and to perform iris recognition using the iris photographed in the infrared ray wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-sub Jung
  • Patent number: 9804670
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes an infrared outputter configured to output infrared light toward a user, an image capturer configured to photograph the user to generate a captured image, and a controller configured to detect, from the captured image, a pupil and an iris of the user, and a glint area generated by the infrared light, and to determine, in response to the pupil, the iris, and the glint area being detected, a direction of the user's gaze based on a relation between a location of the pupil, and the glint area, and a size of the iris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang-han Kim, In-Ho Choi, Tae-hwa Hong, Hong-il Kim, Joo-young Son
  • Patent number: 9510735
    Abstract: A method for displaying video-endoscopic image data of a video endoscope having at least one lateral viewing direction, wherein at least one objective which is movable relative to an image sensor about the longitudinal axis of a shaft of the video endoscope and has at least one lateral viewing direction is arranged on the distal end of the shaft of the video endoscope, wherein the viewing direction is changed over from a first viewing direction to a second viewing direction on account of a viewing direction changeover command. Also provided are a video endoscopy system wherein the viewing direction can be changed over from a first viewing direction to a second viewing direction on account of a viewing direction changeover command and a software program product comprising program code means for carrying out the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Thorsten Jürgens, Peter Schouwink
  • Patent number: 8870378
    Abstract: Provided is a technique that makes it possible to carry out more accurately alignment of a device optical system by a simpler method in measuring an optical characteristic at an anterior ocular segment of an eye of examinee's by an ophthalmic measurement device. In measuring an optical characteristic at an anterior ocular segment of an eye (A) of examinee's, an adjustment of positional relationship between the eye (A) of examinee's and a measurement optical system is carried out by utilizing reflection lights (B, C, D), i.e., the light (B) generated by reflection of the irradiated light from the infrared L.E.D. (11) at the cornea, the light (C) generated by reflection of the laser light (E) from a laser light source at the cornea, and the light (D) generated by reflection of the laser light (E) from the laser light source at the crystalline lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Kowa Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8845098
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to split light from a light source into measurement light and reference light, and acquire a tomogram of an eye to be examined based on interfering light obtained by interference between the reference light and return light from the eye; a positional relationship changing unit configured to change a positional relationship between the eye and an optical system including an optical path of the measurement light; and a control unit configured to control the changing unit based on a difference in slant information of the eye between two tomograms acquired by the acquisition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Uchida
  • Patent number: 8831416
    Abstract: A system and method for capturing an image for biometric identification. To obtain the image, a person stands or moves in a target zone. A flash element provides an incoherent flash of light through an aperture. The flash is filtered to produce filtered light. The filtered light has primary wavelengths no longer than that of blue light. The filtered light is not perceived well by the human eye due to its short duration, color and small point of origin. The intensity of the filtered light at the target area surpasses the intensity of all ambient light. In this manner, a person in the target area will always be properly illuminated, even if that person were backlit by full sunlight. An image of the person is taken with a camera. The image is analyzed to obtain any biometric patterns that can be used for identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Braithwaite, Andrew Philip Govan Date, Mohamed Nabil Moustafa, Jason Chaikin
  • Patent number: 8602556
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an identification unit configured to identify a retinal blood vessel based on a retinal image, a measurement unit configured to measure blood flow information for the blood vessel based on the retinal image, and a display control unit configured to display the measured blood flow information by at least one selected from a depth of the identified blood vessel, a size of the identified blood vessel, and a combination of both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Imamura
  • Patent number: 8600226
    Abstract: Focusing methods, apparatus, and computer-readable recording media having recorded thereon the focusing methods are disclosed. In an example focusing method, a focus evaluation value is divided into first information and second information. The first information represents a difference between focus evaluation values, which are obtained according to location of a focus lens, to be relatively large, and the second information represents the difference to be relatively small. Then, at least one from among the first information and the second information is provided to a user so that the user may easily and more accurately determine whether a subject is in focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Hamada, Kenji Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 8432251
    Abstract: A device for capturing biometric characteristics, the device having an optical sensor with a field of view covering a detection zone for detecting optical characteristics, and an electronic control unit that is connected to the sensor in order to control it, the control unit being placed at least in part in the field of view of the sensor and includes a memory containing at least one signature resulting from at least one reference optical characteristic of the control unit as seen by the sensor, and a comparator module for comparing the signature with at least one corresponding signature that results from at least one optical characteristic of the control unit as supplied by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Morpho
    Inventors: Eric Saliba, François Dufresne De Virel
  • Patent number: 8407140
    Abstract: The invention provides a remittance platform in which an enterprise, such as Wells Fargo, serves as a remittance transfer agent, where the remittance function is integrated with a bank. The invention allows access to the remittance program by both account holders with the enterprise and persons who do not have an account with the enterprise. The person accessing the service may pick the remittance service they want and the country they want. However, the service is not anchored to a particular account and can therefore work with both bank partners and non-bank partners and account holders and non-account holders. Further, the system may be private-labeled. Additionally, the invention provides a mechanism that allows one to send money easily to other countries and it allows bank partners to participate in the program easily as well. This is possible because the enterprise provides all of the processing in an integrated fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Daniel I. Ayala, Eugene Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 8339446
    Abstract: An eye tracker includes at least one illuminator for illuminating an eye, at least two cameras for imaging the eye, and a controller. The configuration of the reference illuminator(s) and cameras is such that, at least one camera is coaxial with a reference illuminator and at least one camera is non-coaxial with a reference illuminator. The controller is adapted to select one of the cameras to be active to maximize an image quality metric and avoid obscuring objects. The eye tracker is operable in a dual-camera mode to improve accuracy. A method and computer-program product for selecting a combination of an active reference illuminator from a number of reference illuminators, and an active camera from a plurality of cameras are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Tobii Technology AB
    Inventors: Peter Blixt, Anders Hoglund, Gunnar Troili, John Elvesjö, Mårten Skogö
  • Patent number: 8254768
    Abstract: A system and method for capturing an image of one or both irises. To image an iris, a person stands or moves in a target zone. A flash element provides an incoherent flash of light through an aperture. The flash is filtered to produce filtered light. The filtered light has primary wavelengths in the far red and near infrared portions of the spectrum. The filtered light is not perceived well by the human eye due to short duration, NIR color and small size. The intensity of the filtered light at the target area surpasses the intensity of all ambient light. In this manner, a person's face in the target area will always be properly illuminated, even if that person were backlit by full sunlight. An image of the person's face is taken with a camera. The image of the face is analyzed to obtain any iris pattern information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Braithwaite, Andrew Philip Govan Date, Mohamed Nabil Moustafa, Jason Chaikin
  • Patent number: 8213782
    Abstract: A system for providing a predictive autofocus prior to capturing an image of an iris of a subject. A sequence of images of the subject may be taken with a visible light sensitive camera. A speed and/or location of the subject may be estimated from the images. An encounter may be when the subject is within focus of the camera or, in other words, a focus distance and subject distance coincide. The focus may be determined in accordance with an intensity variance determination of the subject in the image, and more particularly of a subject's eye within a window of an image. Upon an encounter, an image of the iris of the eye may be captured with an infrared sensitive camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Jan E. Jelinek
  • Publication number: 20120163783
    Abstract: A system and method for capturing an image of one or both irises. To image an iris, a person stands or moves in a target zone. A flash element provides an incoherent flash of light through an aperture. The flash is filtered to produce filtered light. The filtered light has primary wavelengths in the far red and near infrared portions of the spectrum. The filtered light is not perceived well by the human eye due to short duration, NIR color and small size. The intensity of the filtered light at the target area surpasses the intensity of all ambient light. In this manner, a person's face in the target area will always be properly illuminated, even if that person were backlit by full sunlight. An image of the person's face is taken with a camera. The image of the face is analyzed to obtain any iris pattern information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Braithwaite, Andrew Philip Govan Date, Mohamed Nabil Moustafa, Jason Chaikin
  • Patent number: 8152299
    Abstract: A fundus camera includes an illumination optical system, an observation photographic optical system, a photographic diaphragm unit located in a position conjugate with the subject's eye in the observation photographic optical system, and an imaging unit disposed in the observation photographic optical system. The photographic diaphragm unit includes a first photographic diaphragm fixed during capturing of a still image and a second photographic diaphragm movable during capturing of a moving image. The fundus camera further includes a diaphragm driving unit configured to move the second photographic diaphragm on a plane orthogonal to an optical axis, an image recording unit configured to capture, with the first photographic diaphragm, a still image based on an output of the imaging unit and, with the second photographic diaphragm, a moving image based on an output of the imaging unit, and a display unit configured to display an image captured by the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hara
  • Patent number: 8090246
    Abstract: A system having a sensor and variable focus lens for iris image standoff acquisition. The sensor may capture a sequence of images at a high frame rate of a person for getting an eye or an iris in a window within the images. Even if the eye moves around in the image, the window may stay on the eye. During this capture, the focus of the lens may be changed, with a best focus situated somewhere in between the end focus positions of the lens. The sensor may be an infrared (IR) sensor and an IR illuminator or flash may provide light for the capture of images. An intensity variance indicator may be incorporated to select an in-focus image of the sequence. Processing of the images may be subsequent to the capture of images, thus not hindering the frame rate of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Jan E. Jelinek
  • Patent number: 7933507
    Abstract: A camera system may be used to capture iris images of targeted people who may be unaware of being targeted and hence their movement may not be constrained in any way. Iris images may be used for identification and/or tracking of people. In one illustrative embodiment, a camera system may include a focus camera and an iris camera, where the focus camera is sensitive to ambient light or some spectrum thereof, and the iris camera is sensitive to infrared or some other wavelength light. The focus camera and the iris camera may share an optical lens, and the focus camera may be used to auto-focus the lens on a focus target. A beam splitter or other optical element may be used to direct light of some wavelengths to the focus camera for auto-focusing the lens, and other wavelengths to the iris camera for image capture of the iris images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Jelinek, Thomas Phinney
  • Patent number: 7905598
    Abstract: An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to capture a fundus image of a subject's eye to output an image signal, a projection unit configured to intermittently project an index light flux onto the subject's eye in synchronization with the image signal from the imaging unit, and an image recording unit configured to record the image signal from the imaging unit as a moving image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Kishida, Toshiaki Okumura, Hajime Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7883210
    Abstract: Apparatus for photographing the anterior segment and retina of the eye through the use of a camera attachment designed to snap-fit onto an ophthalmoscope without permanently altering the ophthalmoscope itself. The plastic attachment houses a digital camera with video and still photo capabilities. A button on the camera allows for snapshots to be taken. The camera is connected to a laptop or stationary computer via a USB cable. The camera, which utilizes software for photo and video management, relays views to a computer and monitor, projecting the same view on the screen as a practitioner would see when using the ophthalmoscope traditionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Paul A. Filar
  • Patent number: 7848625
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided that is capable of controlling a photographic operation to provide favorable images of a fundus of an eye to be examined. When a normal photographic mode is selected, a single operation of a shutter button causes a single trigger signal to be generated. On the other hand, when a stereo photographic mode is selected, a single operation of a shutter button causes two trigger signals to be generated in succession. The generated trigger signal triggers a switching device so that a position of a photographic stop is automatically switched to a position predetermined for the photographic mode, and the photographic light source is caused to emit light a number of times that corresponds to the selected photographic mode. In such a configuration, fundus images are automatically produced a set number of times by a single operation of the shutter. Therefore, a high-quality fundus image can be obtained without concerns that an appropriate moment to capture an image will be missed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Kowa Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Mizuno, Takayoshi Suzuki, Yutaka Mizukusa
  • Patent number: 7835633
    Abstract: A face image capturing apparatus includes a camera, an on-axis illuminator, an off-axis illuminator, an illumination control device, an image capturing control device, and a luminance calculation process device. The camera repeatedly captures an image of a face of an occupant of a vehicle. The illumination control device is configured to adjust an illumination condition of light applied to the face of the occupant. The image capturing control device is configured to control the camera 10 to capture the image of the face at an image capturing timing that is synchronized with a timing for adjusting the illumination condition. The luminance calculation process device is configured to perform a luminance calculation process by using a bright pupil face image, a dark pupil face image, and an ambient light face image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Takuhiro Omi
  • Patent number: 7831136
    Abstract: An ocular fundus is photographed as an electronic image via photographic stops, and the image of the photographed ocular fundus is recorded in a recording apparatus. The photographic stops are selected by moving a movable stop unit. Alignment observation or monocular photography is performed when a center photographic stop is selected. Left and right images for stereoscopic viewing are acquired when left and right photographic stops are selected. The acquired ocular fundus images are recorded in association with the position of the photographic stop used when the images were acquired. Therefore, the left image can be displayed on the left side of the monitor and the right image can be displayed on the right side by referring to the information of the photographic stop position when the left and right images for stereoscopic viewing are displayed on the monitor. This makes reliable stereoscopic viewing of the ocular fundus possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kowa Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Suzuki Takayoshi, Yoshizawa Itaru
  • Patent number: 7802884
    Abstract: Embodiments of a compact camera for imaging the ocular fundus are described. In some embodiments, the camera is a light, handheld camera that acquires a plurality of images of the fundus. The camera can be configured to acquire images manually or automatically. A movable imaging lens or movable image detector provides the images in a series to obtain an image with optimal focus. The camera can acquire a series of images and allow selection of an optimal image either manually, or automatically. In some embodiments, the camera is part of an imaging system that includes a base station. The base station exchanges data with the camera and can receive image data generated by the image detector of the camera. The base can further include networking capability, such that image data can be distributed over a network or to other communication or computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Steven Feldon, Geunyoung Yoon
  • Patent number: 7702225
    Abstract: A fundus camera is provided with a focus aid mark projection system (5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) that includes a focus aid mark focussing lens (10) and other optical components such that the focus aid mark focussing lens (10) is attached to the focussing lens (6) of the imaging system and moves with that lens, thereby maintaining the focal planes of the focus aid mark projection system and the imaging system co-planar. An associated alignment mark projection system (35, 34, 33, 32) includes optics that utilize part of the existing fundus camera illumination system (35) to project a plurality of alignment marks onto the iris of the subject eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Vision Instruments Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Greg Koennecke
  • Patent number: 7650064
    Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus which is easy to operate. The ophthalmic apparatus includes a measurement unit which measures characteristics of an examinee's eye, an image-pickup optical system for picking up an image of an anterior segment of the eye, a monitor having a screen where the picked-up anterior-segment image is displayed, a plurality of operation switches arranged on the screen or in the vicinity of the screen, a display control part which controls to display function information items indicating functions of the operation switches on the screen, and a changer which makes a selective changeover between a first operation mode in which a state where the function information items are not displayed on the screen is set as a standard state, and a second operation mode in which a state where the function information items are displayed on the screen is set as a standard state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Isogai, Naoto Honda
  • Publication number: 20090263115
    Abstract: An ocular fundus is photographed as an electronic image via photographic stops (31a, 31b and 31c), and the image of the photographed ocular fundus is recorded in a recording apparatus. Either of one of the photographic stops is selected by moving a movable stop unit (32). Alignment observation or monocular photography is performed when the photographic stop (31a) is selected. Left and right images for stereoscopic viewing are acquired when the photographic stops (31b) and (31c) are selected. The acquired ocular fundus images are recorded in association with the position of the photographic stop used when the images were acquired. Therefore, the left image can be displayed on the left side of the monitor and the right image can be displayed on the right side by referring to the information of the photographic stop position when the left and right images for stereoscopic viewing are displayed on the monitor. This makes reliable stereoscopic viewing of the ocular fundus possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Takayoshi Suzuki, Yoshizawa Itaru
  • Patent number: 7502174
    Abstract: A system provides a multi-axis translation and orientation capability for optical imaging. The system includes an optical imaging apparatus providing a signal representing a digitized image, and a mechanical frame. The frame includes a first set of articulations capable of independently translating the optical imaging apparatus in multiple linear directions. The system also includes a second set of articulations formed as joints providing at least three independent degrees of rotation of the optical imaging apparatus. The system also provides an opening configured to permit the frame to be postured about a patient such that an isocenter corresponds to a region of interest of the patient, and includes an illumination source attached to the frame and configured to direct illumination towards the isocenter. The system also comprises a camera system co-located with the illumination source and having a focal plane at the isocenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vernon Thomas Jensen, Stephen Johnson Lomnes
  • Patent number: 7499634
    Abstract: Provided is an ophthalmic camera comprising: a camera having a camera lens; at least one illumination means; and an ophthalmic lens. The centres of the ophthalmic lens and camera lens are aligned to form an alignment axis. The at least one illumination means is capable of linear movement along a radial axis of the camera lens and pivotal movement about the radial plane incorporating radial axis and alignment axis. In such a manner, the circle of light emitted by the at least one illumination means is constantly directed to the centre of the ophthalmic lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: The Lions Eye Institute Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanagasingam Yogesan, Gabriel Suplewski, Matthew David Spark, Ian Constable
  • Patent number: 7458685
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a retinal image of an eye has a control logic processor (214) for executing a sequence of operations for obtaining the image. A visual target (162) orients the eye of a patient when viewed. An indicator element (410) provides a signal that indicates that the patient is in position. A cornea focus detection section (450) indicates cornea focus, in cooperation with the control logic processor (214). An alignment actuator aligns the optical path according to a signal obtained from the cornea focus detection section (450). A retina focus detection section (452) detects retina focus in cooperation with the control logic processor (214). A focusing actuator (406) is controlled by instructions from the control logic processor (214) according to a signal obtained from the retina focus detection section (452). An image capture light source is energized by the control logic processor (214) for illuminating the retina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Rongguang Liang, Dale L. Tucker, Jeffery R. Hawver, Seung-Ho Baek, Vishwas G. Abhyankar, Richard Weil, Douglass L. Blanding
  • Patent number: 7448753
    Abstract: A hand-held digital camera for obtaining images of a portion of a patient's body and having a hand-held housing, a visible light source located within the housing for providing light along an illumination path from the housing aperture to the patient's body, an image sensor located within the housing that detects light returning from the patient's body along an imaging path that passes into the housing aperture, an optical system located within the housing with separate illumination and imaging paths, an external optical aperture common to the illumination and imaging systems, wherein the illumination and imaging sub-apertures are wholly contained within the common external aperture, are longitudinally coincident, and are laterally separated and non-overlapping, a digital memory device for storing captured images, an output display carried by the housing, and the ability to electronically transmit stored images. The camera can be used for retinal imaging and for otoscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Randal B. Chinnock
  • Patent number: 7369759
    Abstract: An iris authentication apparatus includes a camera for obtaining the image of an eye; a display panel arranged on the same plane as where the lens of the camera is arranged; and guide character generation means, wherein a guide character is displayed on a display panel, and the eye of a person to be authenticated who watches the guide character is guided. As a result, a satisfactory iris image can be obtained by the iris authentication apparatus of one camera type that does not have a zooming function, so that the iris authentication apparatus that can be mounted to a small body, such as a portable telephone, can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kusakari, Jyoji Wada, Tamotsu Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7364297
    Abstract: The invention is an eye viewing device having an eyepiece at an observer end thereof and an imaging element at an observation port thereof. Light that is reflected from an imaged eye of a patient is provided to either or both of the eyepiece and the imaging element. A practitioner can view the imaged eye, and can sequentially image the same region of the imaged eye for recording, documentation, and/or analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin Goldfain, Jon Salvati, David Fallat, Marcia Wawro, Michael McMahon
  • Patent number: 7362887
    Abstract: A face identification apparatus for identifying a face is designed to have a face region expectation measure for expecting his/her face region within the image; a pupil-candidate-point detection measure for converting the face region to an image of a standard size, making it a standard image, and detecting his/her right/left pupil candidate points out of a search region within the standard image; a reference data generation measure for generating a normalization image from the standard image with making it a standard a distance of the right/left pupil candidate points and making reference data for evaluating advisability of the face region from the normalization image; and a face region evaluation measure for obtaining a degree of approximation between the reference data and standard data prepared in advance and evaluating the advisability of the face region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Oohashi, Naoaki Sumida, Nobuo Higaki
  • Patent number: 7354154
    Abstract: A technique preferable for ophthalmic image taking having an image taking optical system for imaging an image on an image sensing element at different imaging magnifications is disclosed which includes an image sensing element for converting the eye-to-be-examined fundus image into digital image data; an image taking optical system for imaging the eye-to-be-examined fundus image on the image sensing element at different image magnifications; fundus illumination means for illuminating fundus at a light intensity interlocking with the imaging magnifications; and region selection means for selecting a specific region including a fundus image from the image data in accordance with the imaging magnifications. Moreover, it is characterized to lower the light intensity of the fundus illumination means by interlocking with reduction of the imaging magnifications and contract the specific region by interlocking with reduction of the imaging magnifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7296894
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for obtaining an image of the eye, has an alignment section (160) for aligning the pupil of the eye along an optical axis and a pupil sensor (170) for identifying pupil location and dimensions. An illumination section (112) has a light source (114) for providing an illumination beam and a spatial light modulator (125) for positioning and shaping the illumination beam according to the sensed location and dimensions of the pupil. An illumination beam partitioning mechanism (50) segments the illumination beam directed toward the pupil of the eye into at least one light-bearing segment (150) and at least one blocked segment. An actuator (132) coupled to the illumination beam partitioning mechanism (50) scans the at least one light-bearing segment (150) of the illumination beam across the pupil of the eye. An image sensor (146), aligned along the optical axis, obtains reflected light from the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Rongguang Liang, David Kessler
  • Publication number: 20070183760
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided that is capable of controlling a photographic operation to provide favorable images of a fundus of an eye to be examined. When a normal photographic mode is selected, a single operation of a shutter button causes a single trigger signal to be generated. On the other hand, when a stereo photographic mode is selected, a single operation of a shutter button causes two trigger signals to be generated in succession. The generated trigger signal triggers a switching device so that a position of a photographic stop is automatically switched to a position predetermined for the photographic mode, and the photographic light source is caused to emit light a number of times that corresponds to the selected photographic mode. In such a configuration, fundus images are automatically produced a set number of times by a single operation of the shutter. Therefore, a high-quality fundus image can be obtained without concerns that an appropriate moment to capture an image will be missed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Takashi Mizuno, Takayoshi Suzuki, Yutaka Mizukusa
  • Patent number: 7241011
    Abstract: An apparatus (220) for obtaining a scanned image of an eye has a reference locator for pupil alignment apparatus along an optical axis. A pupil profiling apparatus for obtaining an outline of the pupil has a pupil profiling light source (176), a sensor (170) for detecting reflected light, and a control logic processor (104) for computing an outline of the pupil according to detected light. An illumination apparatus (112) for directing visible illumination into the eye has a spatial light modulator (125) for shaping an illumination beam according to the detected outline, a scanning element (229), and a camera (146) for obtaining the scanned image by sensing a portion of the reflected illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Ho Baek, Douglass L. Blanding, Rongguang Liang, Dale L. Tucker, Jeffery R. Hawver
  • Patent number: 7215881
    Abstract: A portable communication apparatus having a camera module with a camera lens. The apparatus comprises a correction lens arranged to facilitate for said camera module to register a sharp image of an object which is in an immediate vicinity of said correction lens. The apparatus also comprises a controller coupled to said camera module and being arranged to perform an analysis of the registered image of said object and provide an output which is indicative of a result of said analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Borngräber, Christian Zündt
  • Patent number: 7174094
    Abstract: A system is provided for reflex-free coaxial illumination that includes an objective lens group having an optical axis. An illumination source is axially disposed from the objective lens. The illumination source provides at least one light beam. The light beam is directed across the optical axis through a peripheral section of the objective lens. The light beam form a continuous field of illumination at a subject. A reflex mask is disposed behind the illumination source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Norman Steinkamp
  • Patent number: 7123751
    Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus comprising an optometry device for examining or measuring a patient's eye to obtain measurement data on the eye, a photographing device for photographing the eye, an identification code generating device for extracting a characteristic, which is inherently unique to the eye, from an image of the eye photographed by the photographing device and generating an identification code for the use of eye identification based on the extracted characteristic, and an output device for outputting obtained measurement data in association with the generated identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanao Fujieda
  • Patent number: 7070276
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising an accommodative stimulation device, an electromagnetic wave exposure device, and an imaging device. The apparatus acquires imaging information about an eye by means of the electromagnetic wave exposure device and the imaging device as the apparatus simultaneously stimulates the eye to undergo at least one reversible accommodative transition from any first state of accommodation to any second state of accommodation by means of the accommodative stimulation device. The accommodative stimulation device has an axis of projection that is substantially perpendicular to a visual axis of the eye, along which axis of projection an adjustable accommodative target is projected through a system of Badal optics, having a Badal optical axis coincident with the axis of projection, to strike a half-silvered mirror lying in a plane that forms an angle of about 45 degrees with the axis of projection and the visual axis of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventor: Jane F. Koretz
  • Patent number: 7052134
    Abstract: A fundus camera capable of obtaining a fundus image while keeping a fixed field angle even if an eye is not emmetropia, and advantageously utilizing a photographed image for diagnosis. The camera includes a photographing optical system having a photographing optical axis, a focusing lens arranged movable along the axis in an optical-axis direction, and a first element which picks up a fundus image illuminated with illumination light for photographing via the lens, a unit which moves the lens, a unit which detects a position of the lens, a display, and a display control unit which synthesizes the fundus image picked up by the element within an opening of a display frame figure, a size of the opening determined by a detection result of the detecting unit, to display as an image keeping a fixed field angle regardless of visibility of the eye, and displays on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuguo Nanjo, Naohisa Shibata
  • Patent number: 7043152
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to precisely guide the position of an eye in order to acquire an excellent eye image which is suitable for an authentication. The invention provides an eye image pick-up apparatus including an image pick-up unit for picking up an image of an object, a mirror (40) provided on a front face of the image pick-up unit perpendicularly to an optical axis of the image pick-up unit and serving to reflect a reflected image of the object, an opening section (42) provided in a portion of the mirror (40) which intersects the optical axis and serving to align a position of an eye in the reflected image of the object reflected in the mirror (40), visible light source sections (46) and (47) provided on both left and right ends at a back side of the mirror (40), and shielding plates (43) and (44) provided on both left and right ends at a front side of the mirror (40) and serving to shield a light emitted from the left and right corresponding visible light source sections (46) and (47).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Imaoka
  • Patent number: 6983106
    Abstract: A synchronizer is provided to establish a mechanical switching interface between an electronic digital color camera and a fundus camera for appropriately coordinating the complete opening of the color camera shutter with the energization of fundus camera flash unit, and for fully disconnecting the flash unit at the completion of an image capture sequence thereby enabling resetting of the flash unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: EyeExpert, LLC
    Inventor: Peter A. Van Houten
  • Patent number: 6968127
    Abstract: A fundus camera being capable of moving a fixation target surely and precisely to a position intended for photographing with an adequate degree of freedom for moving the fixation target. The fundus camera is provided with an observation optical system having an objective lens and a photographing element for photographing a fundus illuminated with illumination light, a monitor on which an image of the photographed fundus is displayed, a fixation-target presenting optical system for presenting a fixation target via the objective lens, a fixation-target moving unit by which a position to present the fixation target is shifted to a desired position, a first display-control unit by which the position of the fixation target is superposed on the fundus image to be displayed on the monitor, and a second display-control unit by which a guide target for moving the fixation target is displayed in a predetermined position on the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuguo Nanjyo